Submitted by the Baylor College of Medicine….

Now that the holiday season is here, we all look forward to enjoying hearty meals and desserts. However, before we eat them, it’s important to know which meals or their ingredients can lead to bloating – the feeling of trapped gas in the abdomen, fullness or abdominal pressure. Dr. David Szafron, gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, explains which foods can cause bloating. 

Everyone will experience bloating, and depending on the person and the cause of the bloat, it can last a few minutes to a few hours. Two culprits that contribute to bloating are lactose and fructose.

“Foods high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) can lead to bloating,” said Szafron. “Some of these are asparagus, cauliflower, garlic, onions, mushrooms, apples, cherries, mangos, peaches, pears, watermelon, chickpeas, wheat flour, most pasta, cream cheese, cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk, beans, tofu, sausage, cashews and pistachios. Also, artificial sugar replacements such as mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol and carbonated beverages can cause bloating.”

Szafron adds that one of the best ways to prevent bloating is to track your food and symptoms with a diary.

“Often, a pattern will emerge that helps identify culprit foods to be avoided or moderated. In addition, exercise and good bowel habits can help prevent bloating,” said Szafron.

Read more about bloating here.

Neti pots: What to do and what not to do for colds and seasonal allergies

While the weather hasn’t changed much in the Houston area, you can prepare now for a drop in temperatures that can lead to sniffles, sneezes, a full-blown cold and more.  The neti pot, used to remove foreign particles stuck in the nasal passages, can come in handy for times like these. Dr. Meha Fox, an otolaryngologist at Baylor College of Medicine, wants to make sure people are using it safely and correctly.

“These rinses help to wash out irritants, allergens, viral particles and infected mucus. It is helpful as a preventative and therapeutic measure for treating nasal allergies,” said Fox.

To use a neti pot, make sure you are using distilled water. Tap water is not sterile, and there is a possibility that microorganisms will infect the sinus cavities. Fox says that most people are apprehensive about using neti pots because of the sensation – they feel like they are drowning from the fluid going down the back of their throat. However, she explains that this can be avoided by breathing through the mouth during the rinse, which will close the palate so that less fluid goes into the throat.

Neti pots are safe for children if they are at an age where they can adequately comprehend and follow the instructions for breathing through their mouth during the rinse. A saline spray can be used if the neti pot is not tolerated.

Click here to read how to properly clean your neti pot or other nasal rinsing device to prevent bacteria buildup.

Does joint pain increase as the seasons change?

Cold weather during the winter months can increase joint pain and stiffness for those with arthritis. Dr. David Martin, orthopedic surgeon at Baylor College of Medicine, shares the importance of managing symptoms.

“The science behind seasonal variations in arthritis symptoms isn’t completely understood,” Martin said. “There have been numerous thoughts as to where these seasonal changes come from: decreased blood flow to the arms and legs, heightened pain sensitivity, more frequent muscle spasms, and changes in the viscosity of joint fluid due to colder temperatures.”

He adds that the arrival of fall can make managing arthritis symptoms and maintaining an active quality of life more challenging. Martin says it is best to:

• Stay warm to reduce stiffness. Layer your clothing, particularly around your joints, and use heating pads or warm baths to soothe sore areas.
• Stay active and practice stretching, which can help maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength.
• Stay hydrated to lubricate your joints; this can also work against swelling caused by increased humidity or barometric pressure changes.